Lady Victoria Eclectic Pagan's blog: "Myth and Lore of Trees"

The Ash tree (Fraxinus excelsior) is one of the sacred trees of Wicca/Witchcraft revered by contemporaries and ancients alike. It is often referred to in verse by the phase “by oak, ash, and thorn,” which is used as a blessing during ritual or to affirm a charge of power in spellcraft. The Druids believed that oak possessed masculine energy and the thorn feminine energy, the polarities of which were balanced and focused by ash allowing the energies to be readily tapped and directed. In folklore it was believed that the fairies could be seen and conversed with by mortals wherever the three trees grew together. The ancient Irish called the ash tree “nin” and its name was given to the letter “N” in the ogham alphabet. There are about fifty species of the genus Fraxinus, and cultivation has produced and perpetuated a large number of distinct varieties of which the Weeping Ash and the Curl-leaved Ash are the best known. The Common Ash and the Privet are the only representatives in England of the Olive tribe Oleaceae. The Common Ash is a tall handsome tree readily distinguished by its light-grey bark, which is smooth in younger trees and rough and scaly in older ones. It has large compound leaves divided into four to eight pairs of lance-shaped leaflets, an arrangement that imparts a light feathery arrangement to the foliage. The leaflets have sharply-toothed margins and are about 3 inches long. In April or May according to season and before the appearance of the leaves, the black flower-buds of the previous year's shoots expand into small dense clusters of a greenish white or purplish color, some of the minute flowers having purple stamens, others pistil only, and some both, but all being devoid of petals and sepals, which owing to the pollen being wind-borne, are not needed as protection or to attract insect visitors. After fertilization the oblong ovary develops into a thick seed-chamber with a long strap-shaped wing, which is known as an Ash-key (samara). Bunches of keys hang from twigs in great clusters, at first green and then brown as the seeds ripen. They remain attached to the tree until the succeeding spring when they are blown off and carried away by the wind to considerable distances from the parent tree. They germinate vigorously and grow in almost any soil. The wood of the ash is a valuable commodity, due to the quickness of its growth and the toughness and elasticity of its timber, in which quality it surpasses most other trees. The wood is heavy, strong, stiff and hard, and takes a high polish. It shrinks only moderately in seasoning and bends well after. It is the toughest and most elastic of our timbers and was used in the old days, and still is today, for spears, bows and arrows. Ash wood is used for more practical purposes than that of any other tree, being so elastic that a joist of it will bear more pressure before it breaks, than one made of other wood. Ash wood always fetches a good price being next in value to the Oak and surpassing it for some cases, for it matures more rapidly than Oak and is just as valuable as a sapling wood. Before synthetic materials became available, ash wood was in endless demand by railways and other works for building carriages, coaches and wagons. It was also used for axe-handles and spade-handles, ladders and carts, walking sticks, hoops, hurdles and crates, and a whole multitude of uses in the countryside for agricultural purposes. It also makes the best oars and the toughest of shafts for carriages. In its younger stages it is called Ground Ash, which is much used for hop poles, for which it was extensively grown. Ash wood also makes excellent logs for burning; giving out no smoke and the ashes of the wood makes very good potash. The bark of the ash is a grey or greenish-grey color externally and has numerous small grey or brownish-white warts. The inner surface is yellowish or yellowish brown is fibrous and nearly smooth. Of old, ash bark was used to make quills and was employed for tanning nets. The bark is astringent and together with its leaves has medicinal uses, which fetch prices worthy of the labour it takes to collect it. The bark is collected from the trunk and the root with the latter being preferred. It contains the bitter glucoside Fraxin, the bitter substance Fraxetin, tannin, quercetin, mannite, a little volatile oil, gum and malic acid. Folklore and Myths: In folklore and mythology the ash tree has many associations with the gods, such as: Uranus, Poseidon, Thor, Odin, Oceanus, Nemesis, Mars, and Gwydion. The Greek goddess Nemesis carried an ash branch as the symbol the divine instrument of the justice of the gods, the scourge. In iconology she is also depicted with an eight-spoke wheel symbolic of the solar year. The wheel is also a symbol of the Fates who dispensed her justice under and through the ash tree, metering out happiness or misery and ensuring that fortune was shared and not cosseted by the few. If anyone hoarded the favors she had given or didn’t sacrifice some or part of it to the gods, or didn’t try to alleviate the poverty and misery of fellow man. Nemesis would step in and withdraw what was given dispensing justice through humiliation with a scourge made of ash. In later Greek myths Nemesis was identified as Andrasteia, daughter of the sea god Oceanus and goddess of the “rain making ash tree”. In this aspect her scourge was used for ritual flogging to bring fruitfulness and productivity to the trees and crops. This association with Oceanus the god of the sea through his daughter Andrasteia, connects the ash tree with thunderstorms, which waters the earth and fertilizes the land. The ash tree is said to attract lightening. As well as the ash branch, wheel and scourge Nemesis also carried an apple branch as a reward for heroes. The ash tree is also associated with Divination, Prophecy and Inspiration. Odin is said to have hung from an ash tree in order to gain enlightenment before reading the runes. In Norse mythology and to the ancient Teutons the ash tree represented Yggdrasill, also known as the World Tree. This was their concept of the universe and revered as the tree of Time and of Life. In Scandinavian myth the first man was formed from the ash and the first woman from rowan. One of the ritual tools of a Witch is the Broom, which traditionally was made by tying the twigs of a Birch tree around a handle made of Ash with strips of Willow. In folklore it was thought that the Ash with its association with water had command over the four elements. The Birch with its connection to the spirits of the dead drew those spirits into one’s service and the Willow through its connection with Hecate allowed communication with the Goddess. The handle, brush and binding of the broom are also symbolic of the triformis aspects of the Goddess. The ash tree is known by several folk names: Nion, Asktroed, Jasen Bell and Freixo. It is associated with such deities as: Uranus, Poseidon, Thor, Odin, Neptune, Nemesis, Mars, and Gwydion. Its gender type is Masculine, its planet ruler is the Sun, and its associated element is Fire. Ash is used to attract the powers needed for Protection, Prosperity, Prophecy, Health, and Sea and Water rituals. Magical Uses: As is the case with most trees, one of the main properties and uses of the ash tree is that of protection. Of old, a staff of ash was hung over door frames to ward off malign influences, or ash leaves were scattered in the four directions to protect a house or area, or a garter made from its green bark was worn as protection against sorcerers and physic attacks. Ash was also used as protection from snakebites; snakes have an innate fear of the ash tree and will not crawl over its wood. The Ash had the reputation of magically curing warts, this was done by sticking a new pin in an ash tree then removing it, prick the wart you wish to remove and then replace the pin back in the tree, repeat the following rune: “Ashen tree, ashen tree, Pray take this wart of me.” (Use a new pin for each wart.) Carve a piece of ash wood into the shape of a solar cross (an equal-armed cross) and carry it with you when traveling across sea or water for protection against drowning. Healing wands are also carved out of ash wood and healing poppets can be carved from its roots. Scatter some ash leaves in a bowl of water and place it under a bed over night to prevent and heal illness. The next morning the water and leaves should be discarded outside on open ground then repeat the procedure each evening until well. Leaves can also be sewn into small sachets and worn as health or protection charms. To gain the love of the opposite sex, carry some loose ash leaves in your pockets. By burning ash wood at Christmas time (Yule) you will receive prosperity and if you want your newborn child to be a good singer bury its first nail parings under an ash tree. However, given duality in all things not all the ash tree merits are good. The ash tree has a particular affinity with lightning, which it attracts. Under an ash tree is not the place to be during an electrical storm. Medicinal Uses: The bark of the ash was used as a bitter tonic and astringent, and is said to have been valuable as an anti-periodic. On account of its astringency it was used as a decoction, and extensively in the treatment of intermittent fever and ague, it was also used as a substitute for Peruvian bark. The decoction is odorless though its taste is fairly bitter. It was considered useful for removing obstructions of the liver and spleen, as well as aiding rheumatism of an arthritic nature. The leaves have diuretic, diaphoretic and purgative properties and are employed in modern herbal medicine for their laxative action, especially in the treatment of gouty and rheumatic complaints proving a useful substitute for Sienna, having a less griping effect. The infusion of the leaves (1 oz to the pint of water) may be given in frequent doses during any 24-hour period. The distilled water of the leaves can be taken every morning and was considered good for dropsy and obesity, and a decoction of the leaves in white wine had the reputation of dissolving stones and curing jaundice. The leaves should be gathered in June, well dried and powdered and kept in well-corked bottles. In some parts of the country the leave were used to feed cattle when grass was scarce in autumn, but when cows eat the leaves or shoots, their butter becomes rank. The fruits of the different species of Ash are regarded as somewhat more active than the bark and leaves. The ancient physicians had a high regard for ash keys and used them as a remedy for flatulence. In more recent times ash key were said to have the “virtue of capers” and were often substituted for them in sauces and salads, or preserved with salt and vinegar and sent to table as a pickle. Astrologically ash people (i.e. whose who are born in the month of January) are uncommonly attractive, vivacious, impulsive and demanding. They do not care for criticism, are ambitious, intelligent, and talented and like to play with fate. They can be egoistical but are very reliable and trustworthy. They are faithful and prudent lovers though sometimes their heads rule over the heart but they take their partnerships very seriously. Ash people are also very ambitious in love and business and whatever they be, they wish to be the best.

The Rowan tree (Sorbus aucuparia) is one of the sacred trees of Wicca/Witchcraft. As with most trees one of its main properties is that of protection. Of old, during the month of May, farmers passed all their livestock through a large hoop made of rowan to protect them and ensure fertility. Benevolent fairies are said to have inhabited the rowan, which if grown near the home would protect it and its occupants from evil spirits. A piece of rowan was often sewn into the clothing of children to protect them from capture by evil fairies. In folk magick the red berries of the rowan was soaked in water and then sprinkled around an area one wished to protect. In Scandinavian myths the first woman was formed from the rowan and the first man from alder. The red berries of the rowan were considered sacred by most cultures and are symbolic of the forces of creation - blood, life, death and renewal. The rowan blossoms in May and is still in fruit by Lughnasadh in August. The old peoples of Ireland believed that the rowan possessed the power to restore lost youth and was guarded by serpents and dragons. They also associated the rowan with Brigid and Brigantia whose arrows were made from rowan wood. In Aegean/Mediterranean myths the rowan is connected to a tale about the drinking cup of Zeus, which was stolen from Olympus. An eagle was sent to recover the cup and a battle raged with the creatures that stole it. The legend has it that wherever a drop of blood or feather fell during the battle, a rowan tree subsequently sprouted. The red berries of the rowan tree are therefore symbolically associated with droplets of blood and are used by many contemporary pagans and witches as such during ritual and magick. Gone are the days when sacrificial blood was used. The rowan tree is known by several folk names: Mountain Ash, Delight of the Eye, Quickbane, Ran Tree, Roden Quicken, Roynetree, Sorb Apple, Thor’s Helper, Whitty, Wicken-Tree, Wiggin, Wiggy, Wiky, Wild Ash, Witchbane, Witchen and Witchwood. Its deity association is with Thor. Its gender type is Masculine. Its planetary ruler is the Sun and its associated element is Fire. Rowan is used to attract the powers needed for: Protection, Healing, Success and Psychic Powers. Magical Uses: Rowan wood can be carried and used to increase psychic powers. Its branches can be used for making dowsing rods or magical wands. The leaves and berries of the rowan can be added to incense to aid divination and those made to increase psychic powers. Carrying the berries or some of its bark will also aid in recuperation and can be added to health and healing sachets as well as power, luck and success charms. Tying two small twigs of rowan together with red thread in the form of an equal-armed cross is an age-old protective amulet. Cornish peasants carried these in their pockets for protection; as did the Scottish Highlanders sew them into the lining of their clothes before going into battle. Walking sticks and staffs are made from rowan and are excellent tools for those who roam the field or woods by night, as well as an aid to walking, they offer protection from lightning. Similarly when traveling across water carrying a piece of rowan will prevent the ship becoming involved in storms. When a family member dies, planting a rowan tree over their grave would prevent their souls from haunting the place. The red berries of the rowan form a five-pointed star (pentagram) were the stalk attaches itself to the berry. The pentagram was an ancient symbol of protection and so carrying the red berries in a pocket would protect a person from harm. Highland women made necklaces of the berries threaded with red thread for protection. The rowan was thought to help a person distinguish good from bad, help from harm, and friend from foe. Spiritually it protected you from unwanted influences and symbolized beauty, privacy, peace and sanctuary. Astrologically rowan people (i.e. those people born in the month of December) are protective and full of charm, cheerful, gifted and without egoism. They like to draw attention, love life, motion, unrest and even complications. They are both dependent and independent, have good taste and are artistic and passionate. While sociable and good company they can also be emotional, and do not forgive or forget.

The common birch tree (Betula pendula alba, also B. pubescens, and B. verrucosa) is one of the sacred trees of Wicca/Witchcraft. Coleridge (the English poet and critic 1772–1834) spoke of the birch as the “Lady of the Woods”, due to its lightness, grace, elegance and fragrance particularly after rain. The wood of the birch is soft and not very durable but being cheap and the tree being able to thrive in any situation or soil, it is grown all over Europe and used for a wide variety of purposes. In country districts the lighter twigs are used for thatching, wattle fencing and brooms. Bobbins for thread-mills, herring-barrel staves and various fancy articles are made from birch, as is the manufacture of cloth. The tree is also a source from which asphyxiating gases have been manufactured, and its charcoal was and still is used for gunpowder. The white epidermis of its bark when separated into thin layers can be employed as a substitute for oiled paper and applied to various economical uses. It yields Oil of Birch Tar and the peculiar well-known odor of Russian leather is due to the use of this in the process of its dressing. Its use imparts durability to leather and it is owing to its presence that books bound in Russian leather are not liable to become moldy. The production of Oil of Birch Tar is a Russian industry of considerable importance. It is also distilled in Holland and Germany but these are appreciably different from the Russian oil. When the stem of the birch tree is wounded a saccharine juice flows out and when added to yeast it produces a vinous fermentation from which beer, wine, spirits and vinegar are made in various parts of Europe. Normally during March incisions are cut into the tree from which a thin sugary sap is collected. Honey, cloves and lemon peel is then added and the whole fermented with yeast from which Birch Wine and a very pleasant cordial is made. From 16 to 18 gallons of sap may be drawn from one large tree and a moderate tapping does it no harm. The bark of the birch contains only about 3 per cent of tannic acid but is still used extensively for tanning throughout Northern Europe or wherever there are large birch forests. As it’s tannic acid gives a pale color to the skin it is used for the preliminary and the final stages of tanning. The bark also contains betulin and betuls camphor, while the leaves contain betulorentic acid. By destructive distillation the white epidermis of the bark yields empyreumatic oil known variously in commerce as: Oil of Birch Tar, Oleum Rusci, Oleum Betulinum or Dagget. This is a thick bituminous brownish-black liquid with a pungent balsamic odour. It contains a high percentage of methylsalicylate as well as creosol and guaiacol. The Rectified Oil (Oleum Rusci Rectificatum) is sometimes substituted for Oil of Cade. The Oil of Birch Tar is almost identical with Wintergreen Oil. In Wicca/Witchcraft the Druids placed the birch at the start of the Celtic tree calendar from whence it became associated with inception and new beginnings and twigs of the birch were use at Beltane celebrations to light the festival fires marking the beginning of a new season. The birch was also associated with the spirits of the dead and the Underworld. An old folk-ballad known as “The Wife of Usher’s Well” tells of souls returning from the realms of the dead wearing hats and clothing of made of birch. One of the ritual tools of a Witch is the Broom, which traditionally it was made by tying the twigs of a Birch tree around a handle made of Ash with strips of Willow. In folklore it was thought that the Ash with its association with water had command over the four elements. The Birch with its connection to the spirits of the dead drew those spirits into one’s service and the Willow through its connection with Hecate allowed communication with the Goddess. The handle, brush and binding of the broom are also symbolic of the tri-formis aspects of the Goddess. The Birch tree is known by several folk-names: Beithe, Bereza, Berke, Beth and Bouleau. Its associated deity is Thor. Its gender type is Feminine, its planet ruler is Venus, and its associated element is Water. Birch is used to attract the powers needed for protection, purification and exorcism. Magical Uses: In folklore, tying a red ribbon around the stem or branch of a birch tree would ward off the evil eye. Because of its purificatory and cleansing properties as well as its association with the Underworld, birch twigs can be used to exorcise evil spirits by gently striking possessed people or animals. Babies’ cradles were once made from birch wood to protect their innocent charges and the birch was also used for protection against lightning. Various parts of the tree have also been applied to medicinal uses. For instance, the young shoots and leaves of the birch secrete a resinous substance having acidic properties, which when combined with alkalis is said to be a tonic laxative. The leaves have a peculiar aromatic though agreeable odor with a bitter taste and have been employed in the form of infusion (Birch Tea) for use in gout, rheumatism and dropsy. It was also recommended as a reliable solvent of kidney stones and with the bark they resolve and resist putrefaction, a decoction of which is good for bathing skin eruptions. Oil of Birch Tar is astringent and is mainly used for its curative effects in skin affections, especially eczema, but is also used for some Internal maladies. Rubbing the oil onto the hands or skin also keeps away insects and prevents gnat bites. The inner bark is bitter and astringent and has been used in intermittent fevers. The vernal sap is diuretic and Moxa is made from the yellow fungous excrescences of the wood, which sometimes swell out from the fissures. Astrologically birch people (i.e. those people born in the month of December) can be vivacious, attractive, elegant, friendly, pretentious and modest. They do not like anything in excess and abhors the vulgar. They love life in nature and create a calm and content atmosphere, but while they can be full of imagination, they are not very passionate and have little ambition.

Strange how my mind thinks, as I walk beside the trees. The ancient oak trees forming links, with their breath of wisdom reaching me. Their lineage is unbroken in the vastness of time. How do I respond as I walk past their line? My thoughts are of sharing in their wisdom and dark. Sensations of flotation as my hands clasp around the bark. Knowledge of ancient wisdom transcends the calm thoughts of time. A warmth deep inside forms as I acknowledge his sign. Energy flows upwardly from below my knees. Awareness takes over me, it comes from the Trees. Thoughts of yesterday's anger begin to fade. As the pieces of broken lives are being re-made. My mind is with the leaves as they float down to the ground. My pain has all gone without but a sound. Who can tell me better than the trees? How to live life, like the birds and the bees? Knowing always that everything comes in three's, The words, the wisdom, and The Lord of the Trees.

Since time began the tree has been recognized as a symbol of life and regeneration and to some of sacred knowledge. To primitive man the tree and its by-products were a source used in all aspects of life. It offered Shelter from the elements, Food from its fruit, Heat from a fire, Clothing from its bark and Tools as well as Weapons from its wood. Little wonder then that the tree evolved as one of the earliest symbols of reverence to worship. Of old the Oak tree was thought to have been the primary symbol of worship and then other trees were given prevalence. Trees in general were believed to have been the God incarnate. Kings, Queens, Emissaries, Priests and Priestesses all carried branches of Oak (or those of the other sacred trees) as symbols of their authority. The Staff (also made from rowan, walnut, birch and beech) became a symbol that the bearer was an emissary of the gods. Tree symbolism was common throughout continental Europe and the British Isles and appears in the lore and mythology of many cultures. Some believed that giant trees supported the World, others like the Greco-Romans believed that the Gods themselves transformed into trees. The Celts and Teutons believed that the first human beings were descendant from trees. In many Pagan beliefs the tree was considered magical, it’s roots extended beneath the earth and beneath the earth was a realm of great mystery. This was the Underworld, the predominant place of the God and ancestral spirits. But so did a trees branches bare fruit and reach up into the heavens another realm of great mystery and the predominant place of the Goddess, where the physical manifestations of both the God and Goddess could be seen in the Sun, Moon and Stars. Birds were thought to be the messengers of the gods and they often nest in trees to rear their young, so the trunk of the tree itself became a bridge between the worlds. The old mystical belief of 'as above, so below' came from trees. The tree has two equal parts, the top that reached into the heavens – 'as above', and a virtually identical part that reached deep down into the earth – 'as below'. This refers to the belief that whatever is in the unseen world is replicated and manifest in the physical world (one of the basic principles behind all magic). As the tree physically unites the heaven with the earth, so the Goddess and God became one. In folklore many pagan gods sacrificed themselves on trees, an act that reunited them with the 'all that is' and the afterlife of reincarnation. In some traditions it was believed that only women could enter the afterlife (known to some as 'Tir-na-nog', or the 'Land of the Forever Young') and that man must first be reabsorbed into the womb before passing on. The tree with its all-reaching circle of life, death, earth and sky fulfills this symbolism. Nature spirits and elementals are believed to dwell in trees, normally indisposed to helping humans, they could under certain circumstances be partitioned to aid in magic and to communicate with deities. Tree fairies lived high up in the branches watching out for children and laughing at human folly, while gnomes the earth elementals were said to make their homes in the roots of oak trees. There they could watch out and protect all of earths creatures. Trees were also used to bind and trap evil spirits. This was normally done through the use of prayers and spells. In folklore trees were often planted over the graves of evil magicians and wicked witches to keep their spirits from returning and harassing the living. It was believed that the trees roots trapped their souls beneath the earth in that realm of great mystery. While trees had always been considered sacred, much of their associations have been credited to the ancient Druids. It was the druids that developed the practice of tree magick particularly in relation to healing. They devised rituals and methods of divination using trees, and codified the Celtic calendar by allocating a tree to each of the 13 yearly phases of the moon, each tree being sacred to either the Goddess or God. Starting with Samhain in November the original beginning of the Celtic new year, I list here the 13 trees (actually 12 trees and one plant the 'Ivy') with their noon associations and their general magical properties. Other associations and correspondences can be found under their individual titles: Birch – November - Samhain - also known as the Moon of Inception and/or Moon of Beginnings. Magical properties – Protection of children and Purification. Rowan – December - Yule – also known as the Moon of Vision and/or the Astral Travel Moon. Magical properties – Healing and Empowerment. Ash – January - Ostara – also known as the Moon of Waters. Magical properties – Prosperity, Protection and Healing. Alder – February - also known as the Moon of Utility, Moon of Efficacy or Moon of Self-Guidance. Magical properties – Completeness and Spirituality. Willow – March - Imbolc – also known as the Witches Moon and/or Moon of Balance. Magical properties – Love, Healing, Protection and Fertility. Hawthorn – April - Beltane – also known as the Moon of Restraint and/or Moon of Hindrance. Magical properties – Fertility, Peace and Prosperity. Oak – May - also known as the Moon of Strength and/or Moon of Security. Magical properties – All positive purposes. Holly – June - Litha – also known as the Moon of Encirclement and/or Moon of Polarity. Magical properties – Protection, Prophecy and all magick for animals. Hazel – July - also known as the Moon of the Wise and/or Crone Moon. Magical properties – Manifestation, Protection and Fertility. Vine – August - Lughnasadh – also known as the Moon of Celebration. Magical properties – Prosperity, Protection, Healing, Inspiration and Spirituality. Ivy – September - Mabon – also known as the Moon of Buoyancy and/or Moon of Resilience. Magical properties – Healing, Protection, Cooperation and Exorcism. Reed – October - also known as the Moon of the House, Hearth Moon or the Moon of Truth. Magical properties - Fertility, Love and Protection. Elder - Last two days of October and first day of November - also known as the Moon of Completeness. Magical properties – Prosperity, Healing, Banishing and Exorcism.